Xavi and Iniesta Remind Barcelona They're Still an Unrivalled Midfield Duo

Xavi and Andres Iniesta. 

The yin and yang of Barcelona's midfield.

A double act. A twosome. Where one goes, the other follows.

It's how it's always been, but it would appear we've only a matter of months left to enjoy the incredible talents of both players as a pair.

Watching Barca play against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday morning was like rolling back the years. To a time when both were in their pomp. Mesmerising, quick feet and preposterously accurate passing.

It provided a timely reminder that when they're on song, there isn't a midfield pairing anywhere that can compare.

In today's game of fast-paced powerful intensity, Xavi in particular provides a wonderful harking back to an almost bygone era.

"

Iniesta: "Being leaders? More than being first, the feeling is good. We played a good game. Happy to play with Xavi again, a privilege."

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 8, 2015"

Watching, waiting and then delivering with precision. No rush and in his own time. The master craftsman at work.

Iniesta, with his almost balletic qualities, is a perfect visual accompaniment.

Although both haven't been at their best for differing reasons this year, the oft-used phrase "form is temporary, class is permanent" is certainly apt in this case.

Xavi will shortly make his record-breaking 750th appearance in all competitions for the Catalans. No one at the club can compare to that.

The consistency required to be at the very top for that many games and for the length of time needed to achieve the same is mind-blowing.

How sad, then, that it seems almost certain he will move to pastures new in the summer.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER via Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail report the player is finalising negotiations to join New York City FC and link up with former Blaugrana David Villa.

The article also goes on to note: "[Xavi's] departure from Barcelona will mark the end of an era. He joined the club as an 11-year-old and went on to make more than 700 appearances. He has won seven La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues."

It's an astonishing period of success in which Xavi has played the fullest part. Indeed, many will surely argue that aside from perhaps Lionel Messi, Xavi is the one player that has embodied the philosophy and style of Barca over the last few years.

That ability to dictate the pace and flow of the game is unrivalled in the modern era, at any level.

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Xavi and Iniesta have only played together for 11 minutes in Barcelona's last 14 games in all competitions #fcblive [via weloba]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 1, 2015"

Iniesta was back to his very best. Switching the ball from one foot to the other in the blink of an eye and drawing the defender to commit a foul.

There aren't too many players, if any, that can execute such a move so seamlessly while on the run against any side.

Against Rayo, only Roberto Trashorras had more touches of the ball than both Xavi and Iniesta, per WhoScored, and anyone suggesting it was only Rayo is rather missing the point.

"

Xavi to Iniesta, Iniesta to Xavi.. Oh the memories. This could seriously be one of the last times they play together..

— BreakTheBus (@BreakTheBus) March 8, 2015"

As we rush headlong into the business end of the season, it's worth taking some time to reflect on exactly what either player has brought to the Blaugrana.

Then remind yourself that a maximum of just 19 games remain for Barcelona this season—and that is assuming the club reach the Champions League final in Berlin.

That would certainly be the most appropriate way for one half of the greatest ever Barca midfield pairing to sign off.

Enjoy them while you can...